Florida
Car Accident Lawyer Blog

In most areas, men pay larger insurance premiums and there is a stereotype that men take most risks on the road and have more accidents on the road. Some people claim that men are more likely to try illegal or aggressive driving techniques. But is there any substance to these generalizations?

Statistics show that there are 4 million fewer female drivers than male drivers. This means that greater numbers of men will be involved in car accidents simply due to higher numbers. Some statistics show that women are more likely to be in accidents in low speed sites and at junctions. To some experts, this suggests that women have less car control than their male counterparts.

According to the World Health Organisation, however, it’s not all good news for men. The rates of male drivers dying or sustaining personal injury from high-speed collisions is much higher than the rates among female drivers. The organization notes that three times more men are killed while driving than women. In 2006, 96% of people convicted of dangerous driving were men. That same year, 87% of motoring offences where attributed to men.

Some experts claim that younger men, especially, are more likely to suffer injuries and fatalities in car accidents, simply because a larger percentage of young male drivers take risks on the road. In fact, statistics show that twice as many 25-year-old men are killed in car accidents, compared with 25-year-old women.

Experts do agree, however, that driving skill is not necessarily gender-specific. Anyone can learn to drive safely and well, since driving is a learned skill. Experts agree that both men and women should use safe driving techniques and should get defensive driving classes or even refresher classes to ensure that they know the rules of the road.

Whether you are a male or female driver, buckle up, keep driver distractions to a minimum, and follow the rules of the road. You will be safer for it and you will be making the roads safer for both male and female drivers as well.

Many American families have a treasured pet who is part of the family. If you are driving with your pet, however, your pet can be a danger unless you take precautions. An unrestrained pet can be a distraction to the driver and can leap about the car, possibly causing an accident. In the event of an accident, according to MarketWatch, a 60-pound dog thrown at 35 miles per hour makes a 2,700-pound impact, more than enough to cause serious personal injury to yourself and your passengers. When traveling with pets, make sure that you:

1) Get your pet used to travel. Before you load your pet and passengers into a car for a long trip, take your pet out on smaller trips with just yourself. At the end of the trip, offer your pet a treat for good behaviour. Once your pet is used to car travel, he or she may be quieter on trips, and this can mean less distraction for the driver.

2) Keep small animals in cages on all trips. Smaller pets are a danger because they can dash under the driver’s feet, interfering with the brake and gas pedals. Small pets running around the floor of the car can also be a distraction. Even if you are only going a few block and even if your small pet has never shown any signs of anxiety in a car, be safe and place the animal in a plastic or metal cage or kennel. Avoid using cardboard boxes, as many smaller animals can escape these closures quickly.

3) Keep large animals restrained on all trips. Larger animals such as dogs can pose a threat, especially if they jump on the driver or jump on the dash, obstructing the diver’s view. Many pet owners with well-behaved dogs believe that they dog would never act up on a trip, but even the best-behaved dog might act erratically if distracted by a squirrel outside the window or groceries in the back seat. You can use a steel barrier to create a separate space between the front seat and the rear seat. You can also place your dog in a kennel in your car.

4) Bring all the pet supplies you need with you. Having treats, a change of newspaper in the event of accidents, and water is important. Keeping your pet comfortable means keeping your pet calm, and that is safer for everyone.

5) Pull over if you need to tend to your pet. If you need to restrain your pet, feed your pet, or deal with an accident, pull over completely and park your car before dealing with the problem. Trying to drive while you are looking at your dog can lead to a fatal car accident.

6) If traveling with two or more people, have one person in charge of the pet. Have one person talk to the pet, feed it treats and generally make sure the pet is comfortable and happy. This allows the driver to focus on the road.

Whiplash has many names: hyperextension injury, soft tissue cervical hypertension injury, cervical sprain, acceleration flexion-extension neck injury, and cervical strain. To most of us, it is just “whiplash.” Whiplash occurs most often in a car accident, when the soft tissue in the neck is injured.

Although whiplash is very common in car accidents, it also tends to be frequently overlooked and underestimated. Often, this is because victims assume that the symptoms of whiplash are general aches and pains rather than a condition that needs treatment. Even in a car that is going only 15 miles per hour when an crash takes place, whiplash can occur.

There are many symptoms that can indicate whiplash. People who have whiplash often report pain and swelling in the neck area. There might be tenderness in the area along the back of the neck as well. In serious cases, patients may experience neck muscle spasms or severe headaches.

If you have been in a car accident and you exhibit any symptoms – especially any symptoms in the neck or head area – you need to see a doctor right away. Some whiplash symptoms are very similar to brain injury symptoms and you want to get that ruled out right away. Left untreated, whiplash symptoms can persist for a long time, so it’s important to get an accurate diagnosis and treatment right away after your injury.

If you have been in a serious car accident, emergency personnel may rush you to an emergency room. Generally, you will be strapped onto a long board and a cervical collar will be placed around you to limit movement until a doctor can examine you for serious injury. If you have had a minor accident not involving an emergency room visit, be sure to see your doctor soon after your accident for a full physical check-up. Report any symptoms you have so that you can get an accurate diagnosis.

If you have whiplash, your doctor may suggest that your apply ice packs to your neck for 20 minutes at a time. You may also get pain medication if you are in discomfort. If the pain persists or you develop new symptoms, return to your doctor at once. If you have whiplash, you may have injured your neck further inadvertently and you may need additional care.

More and more car manufacturers are creating cars with an array of safety features and safety systems. In many cases, these features help prevent accidents that can cause serious personal injury. If you are considering buying a car, consider these technologies:

1) Blind spot systems. Audi, Volvo, and other brands have technology that places cameras in a driver’s blind spots, allowing a driver to see everything going on in each blind spot.

2) Parking assistance technology. Toyota and other brands have a system that parks for you. Featured on Oprah and other national television shows, these programs essentially allow the car to take over and park. It is a good idea for those who struggle to park well.

3) Night driving help. Some car brands – including Lexus, BMW, Cadillac, and others – have night vision options that allow drivers to see more effectively in the dark. Since many car accidents occur at night, this feature may help prevent many car accidents. It can also be very useful for drivers who have poor night vision.

4) Pre-collision systems. Manufacturers such as Lexus have pre-collision technology which allows a vehicle to detect – with the use of sensors – when an accident is about to take place. When the vehicle’s sensors detect a car accident is about to happen, the car takes control in order to prevent a full collision.

There are many excuses for not wearing a seat belt, but all tend to fall apart under scrutiny:

Excuse #1: “If I don’t wear a seat belt, I will be able to get out of a car more quickly in the event of a car accident.”

This is actually true – you will get out of your car quickly in the event of a car crash because, without a seat belt, you will be thrown out of the car. Unfortunately, you will crash through your windshield at high velocity and almost certainly be killed or seriously injured. If you are not wearing a seatbelt and are thrown from your car you will likely sustain a serious head injury, spinal cord injury or brain injury.

Excuse #2: “I’m only going a short distance.”

Some people don’t wear a seatbelt if they are driving slowly or only a short distance. This can be a deadly mistake, however, since accidents can happen anywhere and at any time. In fact, most people are seriously injured or killed in car accidents close to home. Buckling up should be the first thing you do when you step into a car.

Excuse #3: “There are no seatbelts in this car.”

Every car has seatbelts. If you are sitting in the back seat, they may be in between the seats or stuffed between the back rest and the seat. They are worth digging for, however.

Excuse #4: “Seat belts are so uncomfortable.”

A full body cast – which is what you might be wearing if you don’t wear a seat belt -- is very uncomfortable as well. Seat belts have adjustments, so adjust your seatbelt. If you are not very tall, consider adjusting your seat so that your seatbelt is positioned comfortably.

Excuse #5 “I don’t need a seat belt because I have airbags.”

Airbags will not work alone. Without a seat belt to restrain you in a crash, your head will hit the airbag with great force and speed – with enough speed and force to kill you or cause serious brain injuries.

According to the AAA, an average of 9 out of ten cars have headlights that are so worn, ineffective or dirty that they pose a potential hazard. Most drivers only consider headlights when one is out, but long before a headlight is crushed or stops working, dirt and age may have rendered it ineffective. Headlights are essential when driving at night or on overcast days. They improve your visibility on the road and reduce your risk of being in a car accident. Headlights also make your car more visible and so can prevent pedestrian accidents. Even if all of your headlights are working well, there are a few things you can do to ensure that they are at their brightest:

1) Clean them. When you stop for gas, you should give your windshield and your headlights a wipe. Most gas stations have the tools necessary for this right at the pumps, so it only takes an extra second or two.

2) Restore the headlights. If you have an older car, the casing on your headlights may have become yellowed with exposure. Also, tiny scratches on the headlights may add up quickly, making them less bright. DIY restoring kits or professional headlight restoring services at a garage can fix this common problem.

3) Have your headlights adjusted. Have your lenses calibrated and aimed by a professional at a garage as part of your regular inspection. This helps ensure that the light is directed where you need to see. It can keep you safer on the road.

4) Have broken headlights fixed at once. Driving around with a broken headlight is a major hazard. It can mean a penalty and can cause you to get pulled over. Get your car into a mechanic right away.

Headlights are the communication system of your car – they tell other drivers where you are and where you are headed. Headlights also provide you with the light you need to drive safely. Taking car of your headlights means taking care to prevent car accidents.

You could spend plenty of money on special sensors and devices to keep you safe on the road. However, there are also no-cost and inexpensive solutions for improving your car’s safety and for preventing a car accident:

1) Wash your windshield. Dirty windshields can cause glare and can reduce your visibility. Even if your windshield is “relatively” clean, tiny splatters can affect your visibility at night. Wash your windshield regularly and keep a jug of windshield washer fluid in your trunk in case you run out.

2) Check your windshield. Small scratches and imperfections in your windshield can cause glare. In the event of an accident, a small imperfection or scratch can cause your windshield to crack considerably, resulting in possible injuries or in an expensive windshield replacement. Many auto glass services offer special packages to repair small scratches for a very reasonable price.

3) Clean your headlights. If your headlights are dirty, they will not work well and this can increase your odds of sustaining a personal injury in a car accident. Many gas stations have free cleaning stations that allow you to wash your headlights, windshield, and car.

4) Restore your headlights. The sun, weather, and time can cause the headlights of your car to become yellow or worn. This makes them far less bright and therefore less effective. There are headlight restore and cleaner kits that can help your headlights shine their brightest. Most garages can also restore your headlights for a nominal fee.

5) Choose a smart color of car. Research has shown that silver cars are more visible because they reflect more light. This can mean that they are safer than dark cars, which can blend into trees and the environment.

While avoiding car accidents is often about good driving, and not about technology, there are several devices that can help you avoid a car accident. These devices are ones you might wish to have in your car:

1) Parking sensor. A parking sensor is usually a small camera or sensor that tells you whether there is something behind you as you park, back out of a parking spot, or reverse. These sensors are important because they can prevent the many injuries to minors and children that occur in parking lots and driveways, often because a driver was unable to see a child standing right behind a vehicle. Sensors can also make parking easier and can prevent fender benders.

2) GPS. Global positioning devices (GPS) are like an interactive map in your car. You can program a GPS device with your destination and the device will tell you how to get to your destination. With a GPS device, you will not have to read a map or focus on finding street numbers – you can focus on driving safely. For the best safety features, look for GPS devices that have a voice feature so that you do not have to stare at the tiny map on your GPS device while trying to drive.

3) Airbags. Installed in every newly-made car, airbags provide a cushion in the event of an accident and prevent you from sustaining head injuries and other serious injuries by crashing about inside the car. Look for cars that have side-impact and passenger airbags as well as driver airbags.

4) Seat belts. Seat belts may be the least high-tech device and the simplest device on this list, but the humble seat belt has saved more lives than any other car safety feature. Mandatory in much of the country since the 1980s, the seat belt prevents you from leaving your seat and crashing through the windshield in an accident. Many car accident fatalities could be prevented each year if only everyone wore a seatbelt.

5) Angelguard. Angelguard is a relatively new device that slips over the seat belt release button. Made of plastic, the Angelguard is used by parents to ensure that small children do not accidentally unbuckle themselves in the car. The Angelguard stays in place until an adult unbuckles the child.

Global positioning devices (GPS) are electronic devices that help drivers find their way in an unfamiliar city or area. Drivers can program their GPS devices with a specific route and the device will direct drivers from their door to their destination. Many cars now have these devices pre-installed and many drivers with older vehicles are getting the devices placed in their cars. GPS, however, has both pros and cons:

Con: GPS devices can steer you the wrong way. GPS devices make use of satellite information – just like a cell phone – and existing maps of an area. In areas that change frequently – such as New York City, for example – you can still get lost with a GPS device.

Pro: GPS devices can leave your hands free, since you don’t have to fiddle with a map. A GPS device doesn’t require you to check written directions or try to unfold a map. This can leave your hands free, which can be safer.

Con: GPS devices can be a distraction. It is possible for a driver to get into an accident and sustain a brain injury or other serious personal injury by fiddling with a GPS device. While GPS devices may be less distracting than a map, drivers may be reading the device instead of watching the road or may be adjusting the GPS instead of watching for oncoming traffic.

Pro: GPS devices can prevent you from getting lost. When they work correctly, GPS devices can help you avoid road closures and other road hazards and can ensure that you don’t get lost in an unfamiliar area. At a time when we are all worried about personal safety, this can be a powerful feature.

Con: GPS devices are not a substitute for watching to see where you are going. Watching the GPS instead of the road can still lead to an accident. Relying too much on the GPS can also be potentially hazardous, as there are many cues on the road – traffic, new construction – that drivers must pay attention to.

Pro: Many GPS devices have a voice feature that can mean greater safety. Some GPS devices do not require the driver to even look down at the device – a voice tells the driver where and when to turn.